Good cost-effictive starting helms.

Sean Powell · Post by **Sean Powell** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:19 am

Hello,

My shire has an aspiring fighter and she has a smaller then average head. Nothing like Robyn small but small enough that adding a 3rd and 4th layer of foam to the shire loaner equipment probably isn't the best idea.

Normally I would direct her to Illusion armory for their basic bascinet in stainless but following the recent move I am concerned about delivery dates.

Would people please recomend other armorers out there who do cost effective, non-spun bowls, SCA leagal cage face bascinets with decent delivery times and/or off the shelf in a size small?

Yeah cost effective and decent delivery times seem to be conflictory in this game but I thought I would ask anyway.

Sean

Morgan · Post by **Morgan** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:37 am

They aren't the best looking or the worst looking...Von Sussen sells bascinets on eBay.

Sir Thorfinn · Post by **Sir Thorfinn** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:14 am

You can always talk to Stoenkeep too...
Ya never know.

Cet · Post by **Cet** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:26 am

Define cost effective

schreiber · Post by **schreiber** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:35 am

Definitely check out ironmonger.
My friend Gwen got a small basicnet that is just right for her - same deal, she's not tiny, she's just not a 6'4" stick wielding brick wall.
He sells "munition" bascinets that are finished with 80 grit and then painted silver. (If it were me, I'd ask him to leave the paint off so I can finish it properly.)

Hers is way too small for me - I'm 5'10", 165lbs, 23.5" head, and I think it's meant for like a 20-21" head.

Edit: forgot to add that he charges $125 for these.

Saburou · Post by **Saburou** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 5:21 pm

I'll second Ironmonger. Quality, and safe as anything I've ever seen. Far from pretty, but such a fair price it oughtn't matter.

Brennainn · Post by **Brennainn** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:17 pm

Contact Sir Raymond the Quiet ( the guy who does the castings) He might have an inexpensive helm as well.
Thanks,
Brennainn

freiman the minstrel · Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:46 pm

Let me add to those saying "ironmonger". His "munitions grade bascinet" is probably the best helm value on the general market. I know that it is the best one I know.

Yeah, it's painted, but so is a ferrari. I bought one less than a month ago for somebody that I really want to keep around.

f

Sean Powell · Post by **Sean Powell** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:30 pm

Thanks to everyone who replied so far.
What I have gathered from the web pages for the armorers listed above:

Illusion Armory, 14ga Bassinet: $110 mild/ $165 Stainless.
Von Sussen, $125 mild.
Iron Monger Munition (painted) $125, +$15 for a flip visor option.
Iron Monger center point or back point bassinet: $200 mild/ $275 stainless.
Stonekeep Backpoint Scalloped Bassinet: $285mild/ $470 stainless.
Raymond's quiet press: No beginner helms listed. VERY beautiful helms ranging from $595 to $950

I'm surprised not to see any of the European armorers listed. I thought there was some fantastic stuff coming out of the Chech Republic but I can't remember from who or what the price points were.

Thank you all for not recommending some low-quality Indian import. I know that SOME helms made by them pass minimum standards but I like a better sense of confidence that what I purchase will pass inspection without heavy modification.

Sean

schreiber · Post by **schreiber** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:00 am

Sean Powell wrote:I'm surprised not to see any of the European armorers listed.

Yeah, seemingly everything coming from eastern Europe is pretty top quality. Seems like Czech and Poland are hot places.

But for beginner stuff, they can't compete. I think everyone subconsciously omitted anything that could take more than a year to get into your hands.

Plus, I've heard one of these guys say that as suspicious as we are of ordering from overseas, they are as suspicious of sending stuff overseas. Until someone starts importing their work en masse and selling it locally off the peg, I don't think it'll work. Of course, that means that the prices will be closer to what they're worth, too.

Most of the companies listed are pretty reputable for getting the piece in your hands ASAP. I'd stick with them.

Brennainn · Post by **Brennainn** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 6:23 pm

Sir Raymond sells beginner helms locally, I am not sure what he charges. I would encourage you to contact him about it.
Thanks,
Brennainn

Konstantin the Red · Post by **Konstantin the Red** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:37 pm

You might send inquiry to NorthStar Armoury: maxengel@aol.com -- I don't see a Web presence for NorthStar Armoury, but I find numerous references to it. His bascinets are inexpensive three-piece weldeds, with hinged grill visors. I ended up having mine extended, closing a thrust-avenue off under my chin, as Max Engel has or had Ansteorran ideas of how much metal ought to be carried and how much coverage is optimal. He's in Texas, and is apparently still a going concern.